Viiv Depends On Microsoft, For Now

Intel have released a full specification list for Viiv-compliance, which explicitly states Microsoft's Media Center Edition is essential for Viiv capability.

Many had speculated that Microsoft's absence from Viiv's launch yesterday meant that there had been a falling out between the two companies. However, Intel said that Microsoft is an integral part of the new platform.

"We've chosen Windows Media Center as what we think is the best software", said Dan Anderson, public relations manager of Intel.

"It's dependent on software now. But it's really a question for Microsoft, they have a Viiv- ready program. What we are launching is as much a new way of doing things as it is a specific piece of hardware", Anderson said.

However, when Windows Vista is released later this year, a new version dubbed 'Viiv 1.5', will be ready to support it. This suggests that the Viiv specification would need to change to incorporate different operating systems.

Anderson was unable to comment on whether this meant Apple machines would ever achieve Viiv compliance, and added that Intel 'didn't have any desire' to release their own media centre software.

Anderson also added that customers don't need to use the onboard sound and vision to be Viiv compliant: "It's a choice issue, we have a certain set of specifications to make sure people get a good experience, but there's room for modifications. If they want to add a video card and sound card there's nothing stopping them", he said